Using Paper Scraps: Patchwork

As card makers, we work on smaller canvases and most paper comes in large sheets. I always find that I have plenty of scraps lying around that I can't just part ways with so they land in my paper-scraps pile. I am always looking for ways to utilize these leftover bits so they don't continue to accumulate.

One use of scraps would be to piece them together in a patchwork design. Mixing and matching papers in this type of look is much like a quilter choosing fabrics. Start by picking a piece of paper that has a lot of colors in the design; this "focus paper" is your starting point. Next, select papers that match and coordinate with each of the different colors in the focus-paper design. Choose some papers that have a larger-scale design, and others that have smaller scale. Choose a few that are more solid color and a few that have a white or cream background. If you can't find a patterned paper in your scraps that will help fill out your choices, grab some of your cardstock scraps.

Next, add some texture or interest to a few of the scraps. Cardstock scraps present themselves perfectly for this technique. Run a few strips through embossing folders to add a quiet design to them. You could also emboss a patterned paper that has a more solid design. If the design is too busy, you won't be able to see the embossing as clearly.

Finally, assemble your patchwork. You could do this in many different ways. One way is to cut or punch same-size squares and adhere them to a cardstock base to make a full background design. You could angle the squares or lay them out in straight rows. You could even mix in a few rectangles the size of two squares together into your design for something a little different. Finally, create a shape that is patchwork by taking one more step and running the cardstock base through a die-cutting machine. You can use both the positive and the negative pieces for different cards.

Warm up your fall cards by pulling out your scraps. Mix and match to create different paper combos and try creating a few patchwork design cards. Be careful -- you may want to start trying to quilt after you find out how fun it is to play with this style.